And Mouth Prop, Tongue Guard Or Depressor, Or Cheek Spreader Patents (Class 433/93)
  • Patent number: 11896453
    Abstract: There is disclosed a dental device configured to be coupled to a vacuum. In at least one embodiment the device comprises at least one channel coupled to the vacuum and in fluid communication with the vacuum. In addition, there can be at least one hood coupled to the channel, and covering the channel wherein the hood is in fluid communication with said at least one channel. In addition, there can be at least one clip coupled to the hood. Furthermore, said at least one clip extending substantially perpendicularly to said at least one hood and substantially parallel to said at least one channel, wherein the vacuum is configured to create a negative pressure inside of said at least one hood, and wherein said at least one clip is configured to couple to a user's mouth, wherein said hood is positioned adjacent to a user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Mark G. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 11793617
    Abstract: An oral suction device provides an oral suction screen over the oral cavity of a patient by providing upper and lower suction wings attached to a manifold. The wings are inserted between the upper and lower lips and arches of a patient, respectively, and serve to capture aerosols which would otherwise be ejected from the oral cavity. A tongue/cheek retractor, also in pneumatic communication with the manifold, serves to extract saliva and other products from the oral cavity while also preventing the tongue and cheeks from ingress of the workspace for the dental procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Densen B. Cao, Jack Nichols
  • Patent number: 11744686
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such mouthpiece may include a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Solmetex, ILC
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Patent number: 11678962
    Abstract: A system for lip retraction and aerosol reduction, including a mouthpiece with an integrated single-lip retractor and aerosol suction head, single-lip internal retentive wings and external retentive wings configured to support and secure the mouthpiece in a mouth of a patient, and comfort retention notches formed between the internal retentive wings and external retentive wings to enhance comfort of the patient and to secure the mouthpiece in the mouth of the patient. The system includes a High-Volume Evacuator (HVE) valve stem configured for attachment to an HVE suction tube to provide suction for the aerosol reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventor: Andrew Reingold
  • Patent number: 11666425
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dental suction devices for capturing aerosols and managing fluid accumulations in a patient's mouth during a dental procedure. The dental suction devices comprise a housing tube having a first end connectible to a vacuum source; a funnel demountably engageable with a second end of the housing tube; a pliable tube extending throughout the housing tube and extending outward from the funnel. The first end of the pliable tube is connectible to the vacuum source and its opposite end is positionable in a patient's mouth. The second end of the pliable tube has a plurality of apertures, and one or more pairs of retaining collars adjustably spaced-apart therealong. The pliable tube may be looped around the end of a row of teeth and secured in place by a tie that is secured to the spaced-apart pair of retaining collars between two adjacent teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: MAYCHER HEALTH CARE INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Carlos Vonderwalde, David John Maycher
  • Patent number: 11432917
    Abstract: A dental suction assisting device includes an upper molar seat located at an upper portion of a body and having anti-separation protrusions and a space for allowing seating of upper molars, a lower molar seat located at a lower portion of the body and having anti-separation protrusions and a space for allowing seating of lower molars, a fastening portion having an insertion hole and a through-hole and allowing fastening of a suction tube, a suction port having a first suction hole and allowing secretions in an oral cavity to be sucked through the suction tube, a leg formed at each side of the lower molar seat, configured such that the respective legs are brought into intimate contact with opposite side surfaces of the lower molars and having partitions, and a wing extending from the leg, and seated between the lower molars and skin in the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: DENTOZONE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cha Hyoung Koo
  • Patent number: 10959820
    Abstract: A cheek retraction device includes a base and a stem extending from the base, the stem for coupling to a vacuum line. Arms extend in opposed directions from the base to opposed grips flanking a working area configured to be disposed over an opened oral cavity. The grips have a plurality of ports coupled in fluid communication to the stem. A trunk extends from the base, between the arms, to in front of the working area. The has a plurality of intakes coupled in fluid communication to the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Dallas B. Steele
  • Patent number: 10813726
    Abstract: A periosteal elevator applied to comb and elongate a subcutaneous fibrous tissue includes a stem bar, a first spoon end, and a plurality of hook-shaped comblike structures separated to each other. The first spoon end, fixed to a first end portion of the stem bar, further has a spoon-end edge. The plurality of hook-shaped comblike structures, fixed to the spoon-end edge, further have an extension portion and a hook-like comb portion. The extension portion is extended from the spoon-end edge, and the hook-like comb portion is extended from the extension portion. When the subcutaneous fibrous tissue is cut and separated from a bone tissue, the plurality of hook-shaped comblike structures can comb and elongate the subcutaneous fibrous tissue. In addition, a comb surface of the hook-like comb portion and an inner-side extension surface of the extension portion are together to form an angle within a range of 60 and 100 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Shih-Cheng Wen
  • Patent number: 10765493
    Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: 10624622
    Abstract: A surgical appliance includes a pair of opposed prongs slideably disposed on an elongated locking track for retracting neurovascular and musculotendinous anatomical structures through an incision for affording access to deeper structures for inserting osteosynthesis hardware in the surgical treatment of a distal radius fracture or other surgical procedure. The prongs extend from retractors that traverse the locking track for opposed linear movement while recessed in a surgical working region accessible through an incision. The prongs terminate in curvatures defining a void that gather and engage the elongated anatomical structures on top of the skeletal members receiving the plate. The prongs draw back the tendons, blood vessels and nerve structures to allow unimpeded surgical access for manipulating and attaching skeletal and soft tissue members and/or appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignees: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Jacquelyne DiTroia, Caroline Mazzola, Andres Monterroso, Patricia Swierk, Arriyan Samandar Dowlatshahi, Kristen Billiar, Raymond M. Dunn
  • Patent number: 10595964
    Abstract: An intra-oral simultaneous bilateral inter arch isolation appliance features a generally W-shaped body having first and second cheek retractor wings, and first and second transitions respectively joining the cheek retractor wings to a tongue crib of generally U-shaped configuration with an open posterior end. In a patient worn position, each cheek retractor wing runs buccally along a respective half of a patient's dental arches to retract and isolate buccal mucosa, while the transitions curve posteriorly around the rear molars between the maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad to carry the tongue crib inside the dental arches, where it shields and isolates the tongue. Commissure cradles at anterior ends of the cheek retractor wings hook around the patient's oral commissures at terminal ends of the appliance. Inner passageways within the body accommodate fluid extraction and/or light transmission through the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventors: Randeep Chana, Robert Ward
  • Patent number: 10543331
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system is provided including an elongated member with a lumen, a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, wherein the second portion is disposed between the first portion and the third portion. The elongated member is insertable into a patient's mouth such that the second portion is disposed entirely within the patient's mouth while the first portion and third portion extend from a point inside the patient's mouth to a point external the patient's mouth. The fluid delivery system also includes a locking system slidably engaged with the elongated member, the locking system removably engageable with the patient's teeth. Further, the second portion is configured to allow drainage of a fluid from within the lumen to a point external the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: James B. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10390734
    Abstract: An oral procedural apparatus includes a main body, a bite block attached to the main body, and a sampling return line at least partially disposed within the main body. The sampling return line is configured to connect to a systemic biomarker sampling device that samples exhaled breath of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Bohnas Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Casey Johnson, Greg Bauer, Doran Thomas
  • Patent number: 10307049
    Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ULTRADENT PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Hines, Curtis Pontynen
  • Patent number: 10016258
    Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: 9788924
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such mouthpiece may include a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Dryshield, LLC
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Patent number: 9549796
    Abstract: A dental aspiration device including an inside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; an outside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; at least one of the interior surfaces of the inside housing and the outside housing including vacuum channels; a hinge connection mechanism hingeably connecting the proximal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing; and a locking mechanism for removably attaching the distal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: INNERLITE, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 9532858
    Abstract: An intraoral device includes a flexible body having an upper front flap including evacuation holes and a upper edge; an upper rear flap forming an upper pocket with the upper front flap and including internal channels and a upper edge separated from the upper edge of the upper front flap to form an upper pocket opening, the internal channels terminating in grooves along the upper edge; a lower front flap including evacuation holes and a lower edge; a lower rear flap forming a lower pocket with the lower front flap and including internal channels and a lower edge separated from the lower edge of the lower front flap to form an lower pocket opening, the internal channels terminating in grooves along the lower edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 9387054
    Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Hines, Curtis Pontynen
  • Patent number: 9259143
    Abstract: A dental apparatus for retracting the cheeks and lips of a patient and illuminating the oral cavity of a patient is provided. The dental apparatus includes LEDs mounted on the cheek retractors. The apparatus allows a dentist to illuminate the interior of the oral cavity without needing additional equipment that hinders access to the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 9198738
    Abstract: A combination refractor includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region. The operational unit further includes a tongue retractor and a flap retractor. The tongue retractor may be concave to provide for a natural area to encapsulate the tongue. The tongue and flap refractors may also be provided as part of a continuous planar extension of the operational unit or may be disposed on different planes. The flap retractor may be formed of a tapered extended edge or tab, which can be made in various lengths and include a beveled edge. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may contain an S-shaped bend or lateral bends for better operative functionality and ergonomics. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Manuel Barry Gordon
  • Patent number: 9089389
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a vacuum source to an intraoral device has a plug portion and a connection portion extending proximally from the plug portion. The plug portion is configured for releasable mating engagement with a connection section of an intraoral device which communicates with one or more evacuation channels of the intraoral device. The connection portion has a proximal end configured for connection to one or more vacuum lines of a vacuum source. One or more vacuum lumens extend through the plug and connector portions to communicate with the one or more vacuum lines to remove fluid from a patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 9084656
    Abstract: A dental aspiration device includes an inside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; an outside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; at least one of the interior surfaces of the inside housing and the outside housing including vacuum channels; a hinge connection mechanism hingeably connecting the proximal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing; and a locking mechanism for removably attaching the distal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Hirsch
  • Publication number: 20150093716
    Abstract: A device for helping maintain a mouth of a patient in an open position during a dental procedure may include a tooth engaging portion including at least one groove for accepting at least one lower tooth of the patient's lower jaw, an extension portion that extends away from the tooth engaging portion, and a handle that extends down from the extension portion and ends in a caudal end. The caudal end of the handle and the groove of the tooth engaging portion lie along a longitudinal axis drawn through a center of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Eustis Fulton, III
  • Patent number: 8911232
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may include a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Incept, Inc.
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Patent number: 8870568
    Abstract: A dental device is provided with a mouth prop for selectively retaining a patient's mouth in an open position while holding the distal end of a suction tube at a desirable location within the patient's mouth for removing fluid and debris. The mouth prop may be provided with a hinge to permit the mouth prop to move between open and compressed positions. The mouth prop may be provided with bump-stops to permit movement of the hinge without crimping the suction tube. Different apertures are provided for coupling the suction tube with the mouth prop., in a variety of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Becki T. Ream
  • Patent number: 8852169
    Abstract: A suction device for evacuating fumes includes a tongue depressor having a pair of opposed walls; at least one suction tube connected to the tongue depressor; an elongated support member to which the suction tube is connected; and a connecting member attached to an end of the suction tube for connecting the suction tube to a suction generating device. A light such as a fiber optic light can be added to the suction device. The tongue depressor, suction tube and elongated support member can be made of one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Milo Medical IP, LLC
    Inventor: Anton G. C. Milo
  • Publication number: 20140248580
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a vacuum source to an intraoral device has a plug portion and a connection portion extending proximally from the plug portion. The plug portion is configured for releasable mating engagement with a connection section of an intraoral device which communicates with one or more evacuation channels of the intraoral device. The connection portion has a proximal end configured for connection to one or more vacuum lines of a vacuum source. One or more vacuum lumens extend through the plug and connector portions to communicate with the one or more vacuum lines to remove fluid from a patient's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Publication number: 20140212841
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Incept, Inc.
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Publication number: 20140162209
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Incept Incorporated
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Patent number: 8734152
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a vacuum source to an intraoral device has a plug portion and a connection portion extending proximally from the plug portion. The plug portion is configured for releasable mating engagement with a connection section of an intraoral device which communicates with one or more evacuation channels of the intraoral device. The connection portion has a proximal end configured for connection to one or more vacuum lines of a vacuum source. One or more vacuum lumens extend through the plug and connector portions to communicate with the one or more vacuum lines to remove fluid from a patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8585403
    Abstract: According to a present invention embodiment, a dental appliance maintains a patient mouth in an open state, retracts tissue, and evacuates bodily and/or other fluids from a dental site. The dental appliance includes an elongated tube configured with a looped section. The elongated tube is flexible, where the looped section is adjustable and manipulated to enable the dental appliance to accommodate mouths of various dental patients. Further, the looped section is resilient in order to maintain the patient mouth in an open state for dental procedures. In addition, the elongated tube includes perforations to remove bodily or other fluids from the patient mouth. A vacuum or suction device is coupled to an end of the elongated tube, where suction is applied to the tube to draw bodily or other fluids from the patient mouth through the perforations and remove these fluids from a dental site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Inger-Marie Ames
  • Publication number: 20130288196
    Abstract: A dental tool is disclosed that includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region, in which the neck region is S-shaped. The operational unit can further include a tongue retractor, a flap retractor or a combination thereof. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may further contain a lateral bend, a rotation of the working end or both. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Manuel Barry Gordon
  • Publication number: 20130095450
    Abstract: According to a present invention embodiment, a dental appliance maintains a patient mouth in an open state, retracts tissue, and evacuates bodily and/or other fluids from a dental site. The dental appliance includes an elongated tube configured with a looped section. The elongated tube is flexible, where the looped section is adjustable and manipulated to enable the dental appliance to accommodate mouths of various dental patients. Further, the looped section is resilient in order to maintain the patient mouth in an open state for dental procedures. In addition, the elongated tube includes perforations to remove bodily or other fluids from the patient mouth. A vacuum or suction device is coupled to an end of the elongated tube, where suction is applied to the tube to draw bodily or other fluids from the patient mouth through the perforations and remove these fluids from a dental site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Inger-Marie Ames
  • Publication number: 20130017509
    Abstract: A combination refractor includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region. The operational unit further includes a tongue retractor and a flap retractor. The tongue retractor may be concave to provide for a natural area to encapsulate the tongue. The tongue and flap refractors may also be provided as part of a continuous planar extension of the operational unit or may be disposed on different planes. The flap retractor may be formed of a tapered extended edge or tab, which can be made in various lengths and include a beveled edge. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may contain an S-shaped bend or lateral bends for better operative functionality and ergonomics. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Manuel Barry Gordon
  • Patent number: 8297972
    Abstract: A combination retractor includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region. The operational unit further includes a tongue retractor and a flap retractor. The tongue retractor may be concave to provide for a natural area to encapsulate the tongue. The tongue and flap retractors may also be provided as part of a continuous planar extension of the operational unit or may be disposed on different planes. The flap retractor may be formed of a tapered extended edge or tab, which can be made in various lengths and include a beveled edge. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may contain an S-shaped bend or lateral bends for better operative functionality and ergonomics. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Manuel Barry Gordon
    Inventors: Manuel Barry Gordon, Matthew Gordon
  • Patent number: 8292620
    Abstract: An intra-oral device includes a tongue shield aspirator, a bite member, a bite grip, and an evacuation tube. The tongue shield aspirator may include a tongue retractor portion and a cheek retractor portion, and may be an open, unitary, and/or flexible component made of position-memory material. The bite member includes a conduit which receives the tongue shield aspirator through one end and the evacuation tube through the opposite end. The free end of the evacuation tube is connectable directly to a HVE valve to aspirate fluid/debris from the mouth. The device may be positioned in the mouth by bending the distal (free) end of the tongue shield aspirator, inserting the bite member into the mouth first, followed by the tongue shield aspirator as the device is moved towards the patient's cheek, releasing the free end of the tongue shield aspirator, and having the patient bite down on the bite member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Brian P. Black, John D. Van Ryn
  • Publication number: 20120264080
    Abstract: This invention is a hollow, crown shaped cap along with the dental High Volume Evacuation (HVE) tube into which the cap is specially designed to fit. The crown shaped cap is detachable and attachable. The invention may also be produced as one piece, with the cap permanently attached. The crown shaped cap extends outward from the suction end, and is larger in diameter than the HVE tube. This crown shaped cap for the HVE dental suction tube consists of four tubular, question mark-shaped parts which intersect to form four openings for suction. The cap is hollow and has a short tubular end. The cap is attached to the suction end of the HVE tube by snapping the tubular end of the cap into the suction end of the HVE tube. The crown shaped cap facilitates retraction of the tongue, cheeks or lips within, and about, the oral cavity. It also enables a dentist to work on teeth without the danger of causing tissue plug injury to the retracted tongue, cheek or lips, while still allowing suction of larger particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Faheem Pasha
  • Patent number: 8241242
    Abstract: A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing segment generally parallel to the first tubing section and a valve disposed in the second tubing segment regulates fluid flow through the second tubing segment in order to limit vacuum surge in the main aspiration line upon clearing of an occlusion in the phacoemulsification handpiece tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Sutton
  • Patent number: 8205616
    Abstract: An antenna holder for navigation surgery is provided to be used for a navigation surgery to a subject portion including a temporal bone region and a lateral skull base region of a patient. The antenna holder for navigation surgery comprises a mouth gag (an antenna holder) which is attached to a mouth of the patient and maintains the mouth of the patient opened, and an attachment arm which holds an antenna used for measuring a specific position of the subject portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Hidemi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8182264
    Abstract: A sheet of material having a central body portion with attached wings capable of folding towards each other on either side. The wings of the bite block fold toward each other along fold lines adjacent the central body portion and provide a structure for biting down upon for propping the mouth of a patient open during a dental procedure. A mirrored surface may be placed on the central body portion for improving visibility in the mouth. In a unilateral bite block embodiment, the unilateral bite block is placed in only one side of the mouth. The bite block may be made inexpensively and is disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Dragan, Cotsworth P. Fishburne, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120015317
    Abstract: A suction device for evacuating fumes includes a tongue depressor having a pair of opposed walls; at least one suction tube connected to the tongue depressor; an elongated support member to which the suction tube is connected; and a connecting member attached to an end of the suction tube for connecting the suction tube to a suction generating device. A light such as a fiber optic light can be added to the suction device. The tongue depressor, suction tube and elongated support member can be made of one piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Anton G. C. Milo
  • Publication number: 20110311942
    Abstract: An intra-oral device includes a tongue shield aspirator, a bite member, a bite grip, and an evacuation tube. The tongue shield aspirator may include a tongue retractor portion and a cheek retractor portion, and may be an open, unitary, and/or flexible component made of position-memory material. The bite member includes a conduit which receives the tongue shield aspirator through one end and the evacuation tube through the opposite end. The free end of the evacuation tube is connectable directly to a HVE valve to aspirate fluid/debris from the mouth. The device may be positioned in the mouth by bending the distal (free) end of the tongue shield aspirator, inserting the bite member into the mouth first, followed by the tongue shield aspirator as the device is moved towards the patient's cheek, releasing the free end of the tongue shield aspirator, and having the patient bite down on the bite member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Brian P. Black, John D. Van Ryn
  • Patent number: 8075310
    Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8057228
    Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8057227
    Abstract: An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8029280
    Abstract: An intra-oral device includes a tongue shield aspirator, a bite member, a bite grip, and an evacuation tube. The tongue shield aspirator may include a tongue retractor portion and a cheek retractor portion, and may be an open, unitary, and/or flexible component made of position-memory material. The bite member includes a conduit which receives the tongue shield aspirator through one end and the evacuation tube through the opposite end. The free end of the evacuation tube is connectable directly to a HVE valve to aspirate fluid/debris from the mouth. The device may be positioned in the mouth by bending the distal (free) end of the tongue shield aspirator, inserting the bite member into the mouth first, followed by the tongue shield aspirator as the device is moved towards the patient's cheek, releasing the free end of the tongue shield aspirator, and having the patient bite down on the bite member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: Brian P. Black, John D. Van Ryn
  • Publication number: 20110229847
    Abstract: A dental appliance includes a dental prop member and a saliva ejector member. The dental prop member has a first surface for engaging one or more maxillary teeth, a second surface for engaging one or more mandibular teeth, a posterior side, an anterior side, and a passageway extending between the posterior and anterior sides. The saliva ejector member can be received in the passageway of the dental prop member to facilitate removal of saliva and other fluids from the oral cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Mark L. Worthington
  • Publication number: 20110207076
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a vacuum source to an intraoral device has a plug portion and a connection portion extending proximally from the plug portion. The plug portion is configured for releasable mating engagement with a connection section of an intraoral device which communicates with one or more evacuation channels of the intraoral device. The connection portion has a proximal end configured for connection to one or more vacuum lines of a vacuum source. One or more vacuum lumens extend through the plug and connector portions to communicate with the one or more vacuum lines to remove fluid from a patient's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Publication number: 20100311008
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for positioning the tongue for the treatment of disorders including snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and OSA Syndrome, comprising an anchoring body (10) and means (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) for retracting the tongue, said means being connected to said anchoring body. The tongue retracting means comprises at least two elongated arms arranged on a respective side of said anchoring body, and extending along different sides of the midline of the tongue. There is also provided a method of preventing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), comprising attaching tongue retracting means to permanently attached members in the tongue of a patient suffering from OSA at positions posterior of the tongue tip (apex), preferably to the corpus lingua and/or tongue root (radix lingua), said retracting means being anchored to structures in the mouth such as the jaws or teeth, whereby the tongue is directly held in a forward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Mikael Par Gellerfors, Par Lars Gellerfors